Leading industry experts involved in thousands of projects from across the globe highlighted the role of digital literacy in economic recovery at the ECDL Foundation’s annual global forum held recently in Athens.

Over 130 industry experts who took part in the forum renewed their commitment to digital literacy as a major driving force for the economic recovery.

Speaking at the Forum, ECDL Foundation CEO Damien O’Sullivan stressed that “while government investment in broadband infrastructure and content lays the foundation for a knowledge society, it is crucial that we see strong political commitment to dedicate public funding to empowering people with the digital skills needed to reap the benefits of ICT.'

'Only with this commitment, can a knowledge society of growth, jobs and social inclusion be realised. With unemployment reaching highs around the world, investing in human capital is more important than ever before, O'Sullivan observed.

“Today, the rapid onset of broadband and ICT infrastructure compounds existing disparities which results in a second digital divide for those who lack the necessary skills to use new technologies. Investment in digital literacy and ICT-related skills will equip societies with the resources to overcome Exclusion 2.0 and emerge stronger from the current economic crisis,” he added.

Various national partners of the Foundation were recognized for unique digital initiatives and projects which serve as successful examples of how to enhance digital literacy through the ECDL/ICDL programmes.

ICDL GCC Foundation was honoured under the Corporate Sector – Airline Industry category for delivering the ICDL program to flight attendants.

The governing body and certification authority of the ICDL program in the GCC and Iraq aims to help flight attendants working for the region’s airlines acquire information and communications technology skills needed in airline-related jobs once they exceed age requirements.

Director general Jamil Ezzo and Rania Al Qaisi, regional development manager, received the award on behalf of the ICDL GCC Foundation.

“This award further motivates ICDL GCC Foundation to continue developing programs that support the sustainability of the Gulf’s various industries while ensuring the steady growth of the region’s workforce. Moreover, as one of the ECDL Foundation’s most productive regional licensees, we pledge our commitment to promoting digital literacy as a driver for regional development and global economic recovery,” remarked Ezzo.-TradeArabia News Service